20 October 2011 4:58 PM

A new website which aims to boost tourism while protecting the natural charms of the South East of England has launched - and with it a nostalgia for the British countryside in autumn.

‘Our Land’ (www.our-land.co.uk) is a resource set up to 'celebrate' the nine protected landscapes of the region while highlighting 'sustainable tourism businesses that have a passion and commitment to their local landscapes.'

Hosted by www.responsibletravel.com, Our Land says more than a third of the South East is officially classified as Protected Landscape, made up of two National Parks and seven Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Maple leaves carpet the floor of a wood in the Surrey Hills. Credit: John Miller

These include the Chilterns, Cotswolds, High Weald, Isle of Wight, Kent Downs, New Forest, North Wessex Downs, South Downs and the Surrey Hills.

Community, its creators say, lies at the heart of the site, which promotes 'hand-picked things to do and places to stay in some of the most beautiful landscapes on our doorstep.'

Through the website, visitors can book a break, find inspiration for itineraries tailored to the seasons and 'read about the sights, sounds and smells that make the different landscapes so distinct.'

There are ideas for the autumn half term and advice from locals on what activities to take part in, where to locate seasonal menus and revel in the natural world at this time of year.

Credit: Surrey Hills AONB

Social media elements enable visitors to put questions to a panel of historians, conservationists and experts in outdoor activities.

The website captures our countryside at its best - red, rosy apples peek from clusters of crisp green leaves, while website visitors are treated to sweeping vistas alive with the blazing earthy colours of autumn.

TV presenter Kate Humble, who was there to launch the initiative, said: 'In the UK we have some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes on our doorstep.

'Not only are these wonderful places to enjoy Britain’s nature at its best, they are also packed full of interesting stories of thousands of years of human life. There is a powerful, resurgent interest in re-discovering natural and cultural Britain.'